Friday, 20 November 2015

There
is usually a huge impact on your ecological footprint with every
household move you make – all that tape, boxes and packing paper that go
into moving consume a lot of natural resources when manufactured.
Ultimately they end up in the trash. A little planning and preparation
is enough to make your household moves green with zero waste. Moreover,
if done right, it can give you the satisfaction of having done little
harm to your environment! You can save a lot of money in the bargain.

Use earth-friendly packing material

Packing
materials can have a huge impact on the environment. Here are some
solutions that can help you make a green move, as far as the packing
materials are concerned.

Reusable
containers: borrow plastic containers from your family and
friends. Also, you can purchase plastic containers that can be
stored and stacked easily: they're always handy when the moving-bug
begins to bite. This is a good solution for you if you are a
frequent mover; it will not only save trees, but also your time and
money.

Recyclable
materials: one of the best ways to save money and your harmful
impact on earth is to accumulate used boxes from wine and liquor
stores, grocery stores, and other retailers. Most wine/liquor boxes
have cell packs installed which help packing bottles, glasses, and
other fragile items really easy and simple. Moreover, most of
these containers are reinforced to endure heavier loads.

Online sources: the
internet can be a great source for used packing materials. There
are several networking sites to shop for used boxes. In case you
don’t find a listing for your area, post a request and someone will
get back to you with an offer.

Buy carbon offsets

In
case you’re hiring a moving company, figure out if the rental or moving
company is carbon-neutral. A lot of rental agencies and movers do not
offer such services. Irrespective of whether the provider is green or
not, you can help in lowering the impact of the move, especially the gas
emissions, as much as possible, by buying carbon offsets.

Donate and sell your stuff

Before
throwing an unwanted item into the trash, you can think about donating
the stuff to a local charity or a neighbor who may find it valuable.
Make sure what you're donating is actually useful. Most non-profit
societies and thrift stores cannot use ripped clothing or worn-out items
which no one really wants.

Recycle your unwanted electronics

You may no longer need your microwave, but do not just throw it in the trash. Learn about ways to recycle electronics. Search
for an authorized e-waste recycler to make sure your old microwaves,
computers, and other items are recycled under strict environmental laws.

If
you're planning on moving and want to make your move green, the best
course of action is to do the best you can. Not everyone has the
resources to make a carbon-neutral move. However, an awareness of the
impact is a good starting point in contributing towards a better planet.